Microneedling: what it is, what the FDA says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20264 sources checkedHow we write

Microneedling uses many fine needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. This page says what the FDA, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) say about it. AAD is a society of dermatologists. ASDS is a society of dermatologists who do surgery. It does not say whether you should have it.

What it is

The FDA describes microneedling devices as instruments with many small needles, tips or pins that are repeatedly inserted into and removed from the skin. They may be rolled across the skin, stamped on it, or arranged on a pen-shaped tip. Some are manual, and some use a motor that moves the needles in and out. ASDS says microneedling is also called percutaneous collagen induction, and describes it as superficial, controlled puncturing of the skin at a set depth with fine needles that create channels in the skin. AAD says it works by stimulating your body to make collagen.

What the FDA has authorized it for

The FDA says it has legally authorized specific microneedling devices to improve the appearance of facial acne scars, facial wrinkles and abdominal scars in people aged 22 or older. It says it has authorized only a limited number of devices for specific uses in specified areas, and may not have reviewed use of certain devices in other areas of the body.

The FDA also says some microneedling products may not be medical devices, for example products that do not penetrate into the living skin layers and claim only to help exfoliate the skin. It says microneedling devices are not approved for delivering cosmetics, topical medicines, vitamin solutions, drugs or blood products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin. AAD describes microneedling combined with PRP as a treatment dermatologists use. These two statements come from different sources, and the FDA's is about what the devices are authorized to do. If your provider offers microneedling with PRP, you can ask about it.

What it is used for, according to AAD and ASDS

AAD says dermatologists use microneedling to diminish scars, such as acne scars, scars caused by an injury and surgical scars, and uneven skin tone. ASDS says it has been used for a wide variety of conditions and that overall skin texture improves over time as the skin's wound-healing response forms new structures such as collagen and elastin.

Visits and recovery

ASDS says a typical series is monthly treatments, at least three, for best results, and that each visit is about 30 minutes with a topical anesthetic. It says that after 24 hours makeup and sunscreen can be used and normal activity can be resumed, and that downtime is usually two to seven days and can range from looking like a mild sunburn to a peel. AAD says results appear gradually, with improvement possible within a few weeks and full results usually taking several months. It says that as the body loses collagen the results fade, and that some dermatologists suggest a maintenance session once a year.

The FDA says you may need more than one procedure to get the desired improvement, and that microneedling procedures may not always give the desired aesthetic result.

Risks

The FDA says any microneedling device can cause side effects that last a short time or a long time, and that some may be permanent. It lists common risks including pigmentation changes (darkening or lightening of the skin) and stinging or itching when cosmetic products are applied. ASDS lists less common side effects as bruising, scarring and an allergic response to anything applied to the skin.

In October 2025, the FDA issued a safety communication about radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, which uses electrodes to deliver heat. It says it is aware of reports of serious complications including burns, scarring, fat loss, disfigurement and nerve damage, and in some cases the need for surgical repair. It says its evaluation is ongoing, and that RF microneedling is a medical procedure and should not be used at home.

Who it may not suit, according to the FDA

The FDA lists conditions for which microneedling may not be suitable. They include a history of clotting or bleeding disorders, a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, taking blood thinners, an active skin infection or a cold sore outbreak, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo or an autoimmune disease, current or recent isotretinoin use, keloid scars, warts, moles or birthmarks in the treatment area, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. It also says people with darker skin have a risk of darkening or lightening of the skin, and that some authorized devices were not studied in people with darker skin types. AAD says microneedling can be used on all skin tones. The sources differ here, and you can ask your provider what they know about your skin type.

Home devices and spas

AAD says products sold for at-home microneedling, and microneedling in a non-medical spa, are not meant to puncture the skin, and it says they give less noticeable results than treatment by a dermatologist. It also lists risks of at-home use, including overuse, infection or scarring, and spreading warts or herpes. The FDA says RF microneedling devices should not be used at home.

Who does it

The FDA says to choose a provider trained to perform microneedling, and to ask about their training and experience. It says to ask how the device is cleaned between patients, whether a new needle cartridge is used for each patient and each treatment session, and to ask for the patient labeling that comes with FDA-authorized devices. It says reusing a needle cartridge is not consistent with the FDA's review and authorization. Which licensed professionals may perform it depends on the state. See our guide to who may inject, and our comparison of chemical peel vs microneedling.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page. Our cost guide will cover how clinics quote microneedling.